How to Paint a Fireplace

Fireplaces are the centrepiece of any living room, but they can often be an afterthought when decorating. If your fireplace looks tired or outdated, a lick of paint can instantly transform this area into a stand-out feature.

Our guide is here to help you choose the best fireplace paint, with advice from experts to ensure professional results. We’ll also cover handy painting tips for a range of fireplace materials, from metal to marble. Read on to find out more.

What types of paint can be used for a fireplace?

We surveyed 83 professionals from the property and construction industry to determine the best type of paint for fireplaces. 89.29% recommended using heat-resistant paint, 8.33% suggested standard interior paint, and 2.38% preferred latex paint.

In addition, our Academy expert, Mark Rigby, shared their tips and product recommendations to help you decide what paint is best for a fireplace:

“The type of paint you choose for your fireplace will depend on which part you’re painting and what it’s made from. Fireplace surrounds often come in wood, metal and marble, while the hearth and chamber may be brick, stone or tile.

Dulux Decorator Centre offers specialist paints for a range of surfaces, including interior trim paint, masonry paint and tile paint, so you can find the right formula for your fireplace.”

The best paint colour for a fireplace

Wondering what colour to paint a fireplace surround? 44.05% of survey respondents said neutral shades, and 52.38% said black. Both options are timeless choices that suit modern and traditional interiors, meaning you won’t have to repaint your fireplace as trends change.

Only 3.57% suggested painting your fireplace bright colours, as these tend to go out of style quickly. However, you can paint your fireplace any colour you like!

Which parts of a fireplace can you paint?

Fireplace surrounds can be painted just like any other interior trim. But can you paint fireplace doors and grates, and is it safe to paint a fireplace? Mark Rigby advised the following:

“Almost every part of a fireplace can be painted, providing you use the correct paint for the material. If you want to paint the metal parts that get hot when the fireplace is in use, like the chimney and doors on a log burner or the grate of a coal fireplace, choose a heat-resistant paint like Hammerite High Heat Paint.”

When asked whether fireplaces require fire-resistant paint, 85.71% of survey respondents said yes, but 14.21% said no. While fire-resistant paints may offer additional protection, they aren’t suitable for all surfaces, including many fireplace components.

However, you can increase fire protection in any room that has a fireplace by painting the walls and ceilings with our Pyroshield range. These flame-retardant coatings are designed to upgrade various substrates to meet fire regulations, including previously painted walls and ceilings.

Tips for painting different types of fireplaces

Discover our top tips for painting different types of fireplaces, from marble to tile, brick and wood.

Painting marble fireplaces

Marble is a luxurious material that’s often used for fireplace surrounds in modern and traditional homes. But if you don’t like the colour or texture, can you paint a marble fireplace? Yes – as long as you use a suitable primer and latex-based paint. Dulux Trade Super Grip Primer is designed for difficult substrates, making it an excellent choice for marble. Then, follow up with [Product name] in your preferred shade.

Painting tiled fireplaces

Many fireplaces have tiled surrounds or hearths, and painting them is an easy way to update the colour. The best paint for tiles on a fireplace is an epoxy, latex, or alkyd-based formula. Coo-Var Brick and Tile Paint is alkyd-based, making it an excellent choice for tiled fireplaces. For best results on your paint job, prep the surface with a suitable primer, like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3.

Painting brickwork fireplaces

If you have an open brick fireplace and want to paint the hearth or chamber, heat-resistant paint is the best option. With non-working fireplaces, log burners or enclosed gas and electric fires, the brickwork will be exposed to less direct heat, so you can use interior emulsion paint. Apply primer first, like Dulux Trade All Purpose Primer, followed by emulsion paint in your chosen shade and finish.

Painting wooden fireplaces

If you have an open brick fireplace and want to paint the hearth or chamber, heat-resistant paint is the best option. With non-working fireplaces, log burners or enclosed gas and electric fires, the brickwork will be exposed to less direct heat, so you can use interior emulsion paint. Apply primer first, like Dulux Trade All Purpose Primer, followed by emulsion paint in your chosen shade and finish.

Painting wooden fireplaces

Many fireplaces have a wooden surround or mantelpiece, which can easily be painted to update the look. We offer a range of interior wood paint suitable for fireplaces, including the self-undercoating Dulux Trade Eggshell. Always check the product label to find out whether you need to apply a primer or undercoat before painting.

Looking for more decorating tips and expert advice to help you update any commercial or residential space? Check out these related guides on our blog:

• How to paint internal doors

• A guide to upcycling furniture